Sinbad’s
name recalls the literary legend that symbolizes strength,
adventure and optimism and is what he strives for. Born
in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sinbad grew up telling jokes
to his three brothers and two sisters. The image sticks:
Sinbad the wild child, off-the-wall Sinbad who would do
anything for attention, free as the wind, an unpredictable
force that can’t be harnessed, and always willing
to pay any price, looking for laughs.
Sinbad never tells jokes- “I don’t know
any,” he admits-but rather stalks the stage, telling
real-life stories. He doesn’t deliver payoff lines;
he slam-dunks them. His comedy is large, physical, and
impetuous. Psychologically, he jams us, poking holes
in our lifestyles. His stories mirror our foibles. His
is the explosive energy of the neighborhood; his phrasing
is manic, musical and right on time. He doesn’t
write his material; he relives it as he remembers it.
Sinbad made his big screen debut in the 1991 gridiron
comedy Necessary Roughness. His other motion picture
credits include a starring role in Houseguest and a
cameo in Coneheads. He was the voice of the canine Riley
in Homeward Bound II. On television, he starred in the
title role of The Cherokee Kid on HBO; was star and
executive producer of his own acclaimed Fox TV sitcom,
The Sinbad Show and Sinbad’s Summer Jam Weekend
IV airing on HBO. Sinbad’s Summer Jam won the
prestigious NAACP Image Award consecutively for two
years in the “Most Outstanding Variety Series/Special”
category.
Sinbad recently played the role of a cold-hearted loan
shark Odell on the gritty TV series “Resurrection
Blvd.” The Odell character was decidedly not a
nice guy, but instead, a ruthless businessman who wasn’t
above using strong-arm tactics to lean on deadbeat debtors.
Sinbad, who has built a loyal following with sold-out
comedy shows and has gone from being one of America’s
best-loved and funniest comedians to national stardom
on television and movies, brings his observations to
the printed page. From love to layaway, parenting to
primping, weight loss to the World Wide Web, Sinbad’s
Guide To Life [Because I Know Everything] has been published
on Bantam Books.
Sinbad is an active board member for Inner City Games
and his alliances with Intel Corporation and also with
BreakAway Technologies has supported the opening of
Computer Clubhouses nationwide. Sinbad serves as an
Ambassador to community focused technology solutions
because he believes no one should be left behind in
technology training. As a spokesperson for the National
Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME),
Sinbad encourages minorities to pursue studies in science,
math and engineering.
